2015 has started with a hiss and a roar and does not seem as though it will ease up any time soon. The most exciting news is Palmerston North has a new Mayor. His name is Grant Smith. He has embraced the role with vigour. He has taken the initiative to hold public sessions in Council's Customer Service Centre on The Square generally on a Tuesday and Friday morning between 10am and 11:30am. Anyone can go along and have a chat with the Mayor. In January I was privileged again to be associated with The Quilt Symposium Manawatu 2015. Quilters and tutors came from the USA, Canada, South Africa United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand for a week long symposium. The opening was held at the Regent Theatre and workshops were held in a number of venues around the city.

Quilt Symposium Manawatu 2015

Hot on the heels came the start of more High Teas at the Hotel Coachman. I have ‘hosted’ a number of these. It is a great way to celebrate special occasions like significant birthdays and anniversaries. Others have come to enjoy an experience of yester years, playing ‘Lords and Ladies of the manor' for a couple of hours. High Teas are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month between 2pm and 4pm. Bookings are essential and can be made by ringing Hotel Coachman’s reception on 06 356 5065.

Hotel Coachman, Palmerston North Phone 06 356 5065

We also had the first 2015 Citizenship Ceremony, where 100 people became New Zealand Citizens. At each ceremony we have 2 officers from one of the Armed Forces attending. At this particular ceremony I was delighted to meet up with a young man who was a past pupil at the school where I work. I ask Damian if he minded posing for a photo with me and he kindly obliged.